Red morph

Gray morph

Flammulated Owl

Identification

Unique among small owls with entirely dark eyes. Finely vermiculated gray plumage looks stained with bits of rust. Surprisingly common in montane forest dominated by pine, often mixed with aspen; one survey in Utah found 47 calling individuals along just five miles of road! Strictly nocturnal; most easily detected when singing low, muffled hoots. Feeds mostly on insects. Highly migratory; moves southward into Mexico for the winter.